Hilarious acts that include the cavorting Kapers Kuties on stage, as well as a bevy of other old and new entertainment, will be in store for audiences during the 60th annual Kiwanis Kapers show in Bradford.
The 2017 benefit show, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Bradford, will celebrate six decades on stage in November with a production titled “60 Years in the Spotlight.”
Auditions for the show, co-written by Kristin Asinger and Shelley Wright, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday in First Presbyterian Church at 54 E. Corydon St. in Bradford. Parts are available for singers, actors, dancers, comedians and behind-the-scenes help. The show is open to students in kindergarten through college, as well as adults of all ages.
“This show will express a huge appreciation for everyone involved in Kapers over the years and all we’ve accomplished,” said Asinger, who is again serving as director of the show.
She said the production will bring back some favorite acts from bygone years, but will also feature contemporary songs and entertainment in a variety show format.
“Not only will we tell the story of Kapers through song, dance, skits and humor, but we will also tell the story of the process of getting a production from idea to script to show,” Asinger added.
“Act I has some inspiration from the animated movie ‘Sing,’” she said of the 2016 movie about a group of anthropomorphic animals that enter a singing competition. “We will have large cast numbers, Kapers Kids, Kapers Kuties and some great songs.”
She said Act II will feature special entertainment in a variety show format along with large cast numbers.
Wright, musical director, said the production has invited a few other characters from previous Kapers to perform in vintage acts that had been popular in the past.
“We have asked some of the older characters to return and a lot of them have agreed to do something … a cameo” or other entertainment, she said. “We’re going back to the roots — the way it used to be.”
Other favorite acts that will be in the show include the Kapers Kids, the Glow Dancers and the percussion act.
Along those lines, Asinger said those auditioning for singing, dancing or acting are asked to bring a schedule of any known conflicts for rehearsal schedules.
She said rehearsals will be held at First Presbyterian beginning Oct. 1 and participants should wear comfortable clothes.
“Those wanting to be considered for a solo part or a special act, should bring music or needed materials,” she continued. “Children in kindergarten through fifth grade who only want to be in the Kapers Kids number do not need to audition, they only need to fill out an audition form. “
The show will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 and 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Bradford Area High School auditorium. Proceeds from the benefit will be used by the organization for a wide range of causes and charities in the community, with special emphasis on children’s issues, said Randall Turner, president of Kiwanis Club, in a letter to patrons.
“Last year, proceeds from the show helped fund almost $20,000 in charitable projects,” Turner said. He noted that since 1936, the local organization has donated more than $800,000 to dozens of worthy causes.
More information on the auditions or the upcoming show can be obtained on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kiwanisclub.bradford.
